Traffic Control Technician Course - ATSSA
Welcome!! Incident Traffic Control for Responders Training Course
Course Objectives To present a basic overview (awareness level) of incident traffic control (ITC) standards and guidelines for responders To provide information to make traffic incident areas safer for responders and highway users
The scope of this course is limited to the “traffic control” aspect of incident response. 2
Course Schedule 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
4 HOURS Introduction Standards and Guidelines “Major” Incidents “Intermediate” Incidents “Minor” Incidents Flagging Operations Applications & Techniques Closing
What is Incident Traffic Control? Controlling traffic temporarily, close or around an incident or emergency scene Proper ITC procedures can: Improve safety Reduce delays Minimize secondary crashes
4
Responders Involved with ITC Fire and rescue Police Emergency medical service Towing and recovery personnel Hazmat contractors DOTs
5
What is an “Incident”? “A traffic incident is an emergency road user occurrence, a natural disaster, or other unplanned event that affects or impedes the normal flow of traffic.” MUTCD Chapter 6I
6
Examples of Incidents Crashes Stalled vehicles Arrests “Anything” that impedes the normal flow of traffic
7
The Importance of ITC Proper ITC will greatly reduce the effects of an incident, such as secondary crashes or excessive traffic delays. 8
REMEMBER
Improving the overall traffic incident management process will: Improve the safety of responding agency personnel Reduce the chance of secondary crashes occurring in the unexpected traffic backup Reduce the overall delay travelers’ experience. 9
10
ITC is the Responsibility of the Responders
…to protect themselves, the injured, and other personnel at the site while providing reasonably safe traffic flow. 11
“First Responder”
Individuals who in the early stages of an incident are responsible for the protection and preservation of life, property, evidence, and the environment, including emergency response providers.
Homeland Security Act of 2002
12
Including… Emergency management Public health and clinical care Public works, and Other skilled support personnel (such as equipment operators) that provide immediate support services during prevention, response, and recovery operations.
13
During Recovery Responders’ actions may make the situation worse! Responders may have to redirect traffic to minimize secondary crashes
First “traffic control” duty is to prevent the incident from getting worse 14
The Key Working TOGETHER with other traffic control professionals in a cooperative, not adversarial, atmosphere is the KEY!! 15
What is the primary purpose of Emergency Traffic Control?
Safety!! Responders Motorists
Pedestrians
But… If there is little time for traffic control, how can police, fire & towing personnel be expected to follow traffic control standards?? A “reasonable” attempt to comply with the guidelines discussed in this course should be made. 17
A “Reasonable” Attempt May Involve Simple Things: Placing the response vehicle(s) properly Standing in the safest place Paying attention to traffic Being visible (yourself & vehicles) Providing advance warning Having an exit route
Your actions may save lives, including your own!
18
6I General GUIDANCE: 1. Coordination
In order to reduce response time for traffic incidents, highway agencies, appropriate public safety agencies and private sector responders should mutually plan for occurrences of traffic incidents along the major and heavily traveled highway and street system. 19
6I General GUIDANCE: 2. Training
On-scene responders should be trained in safe practices for accomplishing their tasks in and near traffic.
20
Emergency responders should establish the approximate duration of the incident within 15 minutes of their arrival on the scene.
21
21
6I General OPTION: 5. Sign Color
Warning and guide signs used for traffic incident management situations may have a black legend and border on a fluorescent pink background. 22
Examples of Traffic Incident Management Signs
23
End of Traffic Queue
“Attention should be paid to the end of the traffic queue such that warning is given to road users approaching the end of the queue.” MUTCD Chapter 6I
How? What type of attention? 24
Recommended Buffer Space in SKIPS Speed (mph) 20 25 30 35 40 45
Buffer (ft.) 3 4 5 7 8 9
Speed (mph) 50 55 60 65 70 75
Assumes 10-30 Skips
Buffer (ft.) 11 13 15 17 19 21
Towing: Typical Response to Crashes PATROL NOT ON SCENE Blocking Check for injuries. If consent, relocate vehicle(s) to shoulder If towing cannot be done in a safe manner protect the scene by the use of flares, flags or cones. 26
Towing: Typical Response to Crashes PATROL ON SCENE Position tow truck so the towing process can begin Coordinate with trooper for vehicle removal and communicate how to best reenter traffic flow.
27
Fire Service: Typical Response to “Intermediates” IF VEHICLE IS ON FIRE Fire service is the primary responder Blocking Coordinate on scene activities Allow as little restriction to flow of traffic on roadway as possible. Activate rear-facing warning lights 28
Fire Service: Typical Response to “Intermediates” IF VEHICLE IS ON FIRE Limit equipment to what is essential to support the emergency activities Clear the scene as soon as possible Investigate the cause and origin of all fires, if required.
29
Law Enforcement (Right Shoulder) Stops 15 ft.
50% offset SHOULDER
OPEN LANE
30
Qualifications for Flaggers ATSSA has a nationally recognized flagger training program.
Visit www.flagger.com 31
Class 2 Apparel Required for all “workers” working within the highway’s right-of-way Including responders!
32
Minor Incident Requiring Lane Closure on 2-Lane Low-Speed Road (TIMA 2)
Intermediate Incident Requiring Lane Closure on 2-Lane, High Speed Road (TIMA 3)
Course Objectives To present a basic overview (awareness level) of incident traffic control (ITC) standards and guidelines for responders To provide information to make traffic incident areas safer for responders and highway users
The scope of this course is limited to the “traffic control” aspect of incident response. 2
Course Schedule 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
4 HOURS Introduction Standards and Guidelines “Major” Incidents “Intermediate” Incidents “Minor” Incidents Flagging Operations Applications & Techniques Closing
What is Incident Traffic Control? Controlling traffic temporarily, close or around an incident or emergency scene Proper ITC procedures can: Improve safety Reduce delays Minimize secondary crashes
4
Responders Involved with ITC Fire and rescue Police Emergency medical service Towing and recovery personnel Hazmat contractors DOTs
5
What is an “Incident”? “A traffic incident is an emergency road user occurrence, a natural disaster, or other unplanned event that affects or impedes the normal flow of traffic.” MUTCD Chapter 6I
6
Examples of Incidents Crashes Stalled vehicles Arrests “Anything” that impedes the normal flow of traffic
7
The Importance of ITC Proper ITC will greatly reduce the effects of an incident, such as secondary crashes or excessive traffic delays. 8
REMEMBER
Improving the overall traffic incident management process will: Improve the safety of responding agency personnel Reduce the chance of secondary crashes occurring in the unexpected traffic backup Reduce the overall delay travelers’ experience. 9
10
ITC is the Responsibility of the Responders
…to protect themselves, the injured, and other personnel at the site while providing reasonably safe traffic flow. 11
“First Responder”
Individuals who in the early stages of an incident are responsible for the protection and preservation of life, property, evidence, and the environment, including emergency response providers.
Homeland Security Act of 2002
12
Including… Emergency management Public health and clinical care Public works, and Other skilled support personnel (such as equipment operators) that provide immediate support services during prevention, response, and recovery operations.
13
During Recovery Responders’ actions may make the situation worse! Responders may have to redirect traffic to minimize secondary crashes
First “traffic control” duty is to prevent the incident from getting worse 14
The Key Working TOGETHER with other traffic control professionals in a cooperative, not adversarial, atmosphere is the KEY!! 15
What is the primary purpose of Emergency Traffic Control?
Safety!! Responders Motorists
Pedestrians
But… If there is little time for traffic control, how can police, fire & towing personnel be expected to follow traffic control standards?? A “reasonable” attempt to comply with the guidelines discussed in this course should be made. 17
A “Reasonable” Attempt May Involve Simple Things: Placing the response vehicle(s) properly Standing in the safest place Paying attention to traffic Being visible (yourself & vehicles) Providing advance warning Having an exit route
Your actions may save lives, including your own!
18
6I General GUIDANCE: 1. Coordination
In order to reduce response time for traffic incidents, highway agencies, appropriate public safety agencies and private sector responders should mutually plan for occurrences of traffic incidents along the major and heavily traveled highway and street system. 19
6I General GUIDANCE: 2. Training
On-scene responders should be trained in safe practices for accomplishing their tasks in and near traffic.
20
Emergency responders should establish the approximate duration of the incident within 15 minutes of their arrival on the scene.
21
21
6I General OPTION: 5. Sign Color
Warning and guide signs used for traffic incident management situations may have a black legend and border on a fluorescent pink background. 22
Examples of Traffic Incident Management Signs
23
End of Traffic Queue
“Attention should be paid to the end of the traffic queue such that warning is given to road users approaching the end of the queue.” MUTCD Chapter 6I
How? What type of attention? 24
Recommended Buffer Space in SKIPS Speed (mph) 20 25 30 35 40 45
Buffer (ft.) 3 4 5 7 8 9
Speed (mph) 50 55 60 65 70 75
Assumes 10-30 Skips
Buffer (ft.) 11 13 15 17 19 21
Towing: Typical Response to Crashes PATROL NOT ON SCENE Blocking Check for injuries. If consent, relocate vehicle(s) to shoulder If towing cannot be done in a safe manner protect the scene by the use of flares, flags or cones. 26
Towing: Typical Response to Crashes PATROL ON SCENE Position tow truck so the towing process can begin Coordinate with trooper for vehicle removal and communicate how to best reenter traffic flow.
27
Fire Service: Typical Response to “Intermediates” IF VEHICLE IS ON FIRE Fire service is the primary responder Blocking Coordinate on scene activities Allow as little restriction to flow of traffic on roadway as possible. Activate rear-facing warning lights 28
Fire Service: Typical Response to “Intermediates” IF VEHICLE IS ON FIRE Limit equipment to what is essential to support the emergency activities Clear the scene as soon as possible Investigate the cause and origin of all fires, if required.
29
Law Enforcement (Right Shoulder) Stops 15 ft.
50% offset SHOULDER
OPEN LANE
30
Qualifications for Flaggers ATSSA has a nationally recognized flagger training program.
Visit www.flagger.com 31
Class 2 Apparel Required for all “workers” working within the highway’s right-of-way Including responders!
32
Minor Incident Requiring Lane Closure on 2-Lane Low-Speed Road (TIMA 2)
Intermediate Incident Requiring Lane Closure on 2-Lane, High Speed Road (TIMA 3)
